bing crosby

Biography

Bing Crosby, born Harry Lillis Crosby on May 3, 1903, in Tacoma, Washington, was raised in a large Catholic family with deep musical roots. His father sang in local theater productions, while his mother taught Irish folk songs at home, instilling in Bing a love of music from an early age. After moving to Spokane as a child, Crosby attended Gonzaga High School and later Gonzaga University, initially pursuing law but soon turning to music, performing as a drummer and singer with the Musicaladers, a local band.

Crosby's career took off in the mid-1920s when he teamed up with pianist Al Rinker, moving to Los Angeles to pursue show business. Their lively performances in vaudeville and on the radio caught the attention of major bandleaders, leading to Crosby joining Paul Whiteman's orchestra and later forming the Rhythm Boys trio. By the early 1930s, Crosby had launched a successful solo career, becoming a radio sensation and transitioning to film, where he starred in numerous musicals and comedies. His smooth baritone voice, relaxed singing style, and pioneering use of the microphone helped define the crooner era and set new standards for popular music recording.

Crosby became one of the most influential and best-selling recording artists of the 20th century, with nearly 300 hit singles and iconic songs like 'White Christmas.' He won an Academy Award for Best Actor in 'Going My Way' (1944) and became the first true multimedia star, excelling in radio, film, and television. His legacy endures through his vast catalog, his impact on vocal technique, and his role in shaping the modern entertainment industry.

Fun Facts

• Crosby's recording of 'White Christmas' is the best-selling single of all time, with over 50 million copies sold.
• He was an avid golfer and died of a heart attack after playing a round of golf in Madrid, Spain.
• Crosby was the first performer to pre-record his radio shows, pioneering the use of magnetic tape in broadcasting.
• He won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role as Father O'Malley in 'Going My Way' (1944).

Associated Acts

• Paul Whiteman and His Orchestra - background vocals, bass-baritone vocals, choir vocals, lead vocals (1927–1930)
• The Rhythm Boys

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Al Jolson - Crosby was deeply influenced by Jolson's stage presence and vocal delivery, which he witnessed as a teenager. (Inspired Crosby's early singing style and showmanship.) [1917–1920s]

Key Collaborators

• Al Rinker - Early musical partner; together they formed a vaudeville act and later joined Paul Whiteman's orchestra. (The Rhythm Boys; performances with Paul Whiteman) [1925–1930]
• Paul Whiteman - Band leader who hired Crosby and Rinker, giving Crosby national exposure. (Paul Whiteman Orchestra recordings and tours) [1926–1930]
• Bob Hope - Frequent film partner in the popular 'Road to...' comedy series. (Road to Singapore, Road to Morocco, and other 'Road' films) [1940–1962]

Artists Influenced

• Frank Sinatra - Sinatra cited Crosby as a major influence on his vocal style and phrasing. (Sinatra's early crooner recordings) [1940s–1950s]
• Perry Como - Adopted Crosby's relaxed, intimate singing style. (Como's radio and recording career) [1940s–1960s]
• Dean Martin - Modeled his easygoing persona and vocal approach after Crosby. (Martin's solo albums and television performances) [1950s–1970s]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. White Christmas (with V of BTS)
2. White Christmas - 1947 Version
3. Mele Kalikimaka (Merry Christmas)
4. Do You Hear What I Hear? - Remastered 2006
5. Winter Wonderland - Remastered 2006
6. It's Beginning To Look Like Christmas
7. Pistol Packin' Mama - Single Version
8. The Little Drummer Boy - Remastered 2006
9. Twelve Days Of Christmas (Christmas Greetings)
10. White Christmas (with V of BTS) (Instrumental)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia
• MusicBrainz

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